Aiken’s lineup of events for early May is heating up with a mix of festival energy, live music, and cultural programming.
Aiken Standard Beach Blast
- When: Friday, May 9, 6-10 p.m.
- Where: Newberry Street Festival Center, Downtown Aiken
- Tickets: $10 in advance, $20 at the gate, kids 12 and under free
- Details: The fourth annual Beach Music Blast takes over downtown with South Carolina’s The Swingin’ Medallions headlining. Food vendors span local favorites from Kono Pizza to Ironhead BBQ, and a Shag Dance contest with prizes kicks off at 8 p.m.
Aiken Music Fest
- When: Saturday, May 10, 7-10 p.m.
- Where: Highfields Event Center
- Tickets: $15 admission
- Details: This six-event series features two acts per night—starting with Soulfeathers Psychedelic followed by The J.W.—bringing local and regional touring artists to Aiken’s stage.
Aiken Symphony Spanish Night
- When: Saturday, May 10, 7:30 p.m.
- Where: USC Aiken
- Details: Aiken Symphony celebrates Spanish music with guitarist Mak Grgic performing works by Bizet, Rodrigo, Turina, and Rimsky-Korsakov, adding a classical highlight to the weekend.
Other Notables:
- May 10: National Train Day celebration at Aiken Visitors Center, plus a Gullah Geechee heritage lecture
- May 15: Art of Words Poets’ Open Mic at the county library
- May 18: Aiken Civic Orchestra tribute to Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann
With dance contests, indie and psychedelic rock, classical performances, and cultural talks, Aiken’s vibrant May calendar offers something for every music and festival fan.
Source: Upcoming events